LIBERATION DRUM CIRCLES: PERCUSSION & ACTIVISM (PAID)

WHO: High School students ages ages 14-21 

WHAT: The Liberation Drum Circles engages youth in social justice activism through community drumming, singing and chanting in the community. This program is designed to provide students with an appreciation of percussion music as an art form, a cultural practice, a tool for social justice activism, and as a way to build community; all pursuits that can be developed for a lifetime.  Participants will be inspired to use music as a tool for enjoyment, self-realization and liberation, for themselves and for each other as a community. Snacks, Community Service & $250 stipends!. 

WHERE: Exact Location will be shared upon acceptance.

WHEN: The 12 week program will meet IN PERSON in either Wednesdays from 4:30PM - 6:30PM , or Sundays from 3PM to 6PM, and starting on 11/5. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 1st, 2025

HOW: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQs3w1IY6yc-3XuxiyY5BmgfpR2b-qWABwT7UjpPeDNnPpAg/viewform 

QUEENS TEENS INSTITUTE FOR ART AND SOCIAL JUSTICE (PAID)

WHO: High School Students in 11- 12th grade 

WHAT: The goal of the Queens Teens Institute for Art & Social Justice (QTI) is to nurture thoughtful, independent young artists and the next generation of leaders in the arts and social change. Each year, QTI explores a unique theme, and for the 2025-2026 program, participants will explore how creative practices and grassroots organizing can transform public spaces into platforms for dialogue, resistance, and collective imagination. While also delving into the work of creative practitioners operating at the intersection of art, fashion, music and design. This year’s collaborations include partnerships with fashion brand Awake NY and electronic music company Marshall, offering participants hands-on opportunities to engage with innovative practices and leaders in these fields. 

Through a series of art-making workshops, leadership seminars, community service projects, and professional development training over the academic year, participants will gain experience as artists and leaders and access to networks, institutions, and mentors that will support their growth and practice. 

Accepted participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for their 9-month commitment to the program, along with a MetroCard to cover travel expenses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to apply for other paid work opportunities at the Queens Museum, such as roles as workshop assistants, camp counselors, and more.

WHERE: Queens Museum - New York City Building Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens, NY 11368

WHEN: Wednesdays we meet virtually, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

      Saturdays are in-person at the Queens Museum, 12:00-2:00 PM (snacks are provided)

DEADLINE TO APPLY: October 29th, 2025

HOW: https://queensmuseum.org/2025/09/17/queens-teens-institute-2025-2026-applications-now-open-deadline-10-15-25/ 

FELLOWS FOR ITS EMERGING LEADERS (PAID)

WHO: High School students 15-18 who attend school or live in the Chelsea, Meatpacking District, or Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods are invited to apply

WHAT: Friends of the High Line is accepting applications for its next class of Fellows for its Emerging Leaders, a paid fellowship for high school students who attend school near the High Line or who live in the surrounding community. There are four pathways: Arts & Culture; Civic Engagement; Horticulture; and Park & Visitor Experience. Fellows are offered up to 200 hours of paid work a year ($15/hr), building skills through learning and hands-on experiences both on the High Line and within the community.Fellows are offered up to 200 hours of paid work a year, building skills through learning and hands-on experiences on the High Line and within our community. We also provide ongoing mentorship and networking support.

WHERE: Work locations include the beautiful oceanfront in the Rockaways, historic Coney Island, and the only floating pool in North America!

WHEN: The program is broken into Afterschool Workshops and Summer Residencies: Afterschool Pathway Workshops (January – June): 

• Two afternoons per week (Mon–Thu, 4–6 PM)

• Mondays - Civic Engagement 

• Tuesdays - Park & Visitor Experience 

• Wednesdays - Horticulture 

• Thursdays - Arts & Culture 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

HOW: https://apply.workable.com/thehighline/j/6067071D40/

THE TISCH SPRING FUTURE ARTISTS PROGRAM (PAID)

WHO: Highschool Students in 9-11 grade

WHAT: The Tisch Spring Future Artists Program is a pre-college program that is FREE of charge, open to all eligible students, and centered on educational opportunities in studying in the arts with the same rigor and training offered in the undergraduate departments. It is designed for students who may not have access to other programs in their schools and/or communities and who would qualify for financial aid at NYU. This program is open to all interested first-years, sophomores, and juniors in high school.  Students of all backgrounds are eligible for participation in this program; those from groups traditionally underrepresented in the media industry are encouraged to apply.  

WHERE: Broadway Block, 721 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

WHEN: Students MUST commit to attending all of the classes during the 14-week program on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET (hours vary by department but will fall within this time) from from January 31, 2026 - May 9, 2026 and is taught by faculty from the undergraduate departments. You must be available on those dates and times for the entire duration of the program. Students who miss class for any reason may be dismissed from the program. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 10th, 2025

HOW: https://tisch.nyu.edu/special-programs/high-school-programs/tisch-spring-future-artists-program.html#:~:text=The%20Tisch%20Spring%20Future%20Artists,offered%20in%20the%20undergraduate%20departments.

THE RANGER CONSERVATION CORPS INTERNSHIP (PAID)

WHO: After school opportunity for identifying young women and gender expansive youth from 9 - 12th grade 

WHAT: A year-round paid afterschool and summer fellowship program for high school students who have a professional interest in theatre (no prior experience necessary,) and an interest in using theatre as a tool for building community and advocating for people and places in their city. Through weekly in-person and virtual meetings, field trips, guest speakers, attending live theatre productions and professional development opportunities. Participants in the Urban Explorers Theatre Fellowship program will learn about a variety of theatre techniques in  devising and writing original pieces from documentary to site-specific to forum theatre playwriting. The program will culminate with the creation of original work. Explorers will each receive a stipend of $300 for successfully participating in Semester 1, and a stipend of $500 for participating in Semester 2 (summer program), for a total of $800 if they participate in both semesters. Additionally, the program will provide academic career counseling and professional development, individualized mentorship, college and job recommendation letters, and a certificate of program completion. The program will also provide opportunities for fellows to prepare for entrance into additional theatre arts programs and collegiate programs. 

WHERE: 830 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10065

WHEN: each session lasts approximately eight (8) weeks. The program occurs one day a week, on a school day afternoon for 2 to 2.5 hours

DEADLINE TO APPLY: ROLLING

HOW: https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers/conservation-corps/contact